Panning for Gold!

Proverbs 2:1-5 - My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.


Have you ever thought that parenting is a lot like panning for gold?

When my oldest daughter was in 1st grade we took a field trip with her class to pan or "mine" for gems. The kids wore plastic smocks and were handed a sifting screen with wooden handles. They worked diligently looking for something of value. Most of their time was spent sifting through the sediment and sand to find only a few pebbles or stones, but by the end of the field trip, many of the children came away with a few pieces of ruby, emerald or topaz! Their patience, practice and perseverance paid off!

The memory of that field trip was tucked nice and neatly away, until a recent phone conversation with a dear friend retrieved it from my memory file. We were catching up, sharing the struggles and joys of parenting. I shared with her something my oldest daughter had said, that was full of wisdom. My friend made the comment, "You have received a gold nugget!". She went on to explain, that one day her mother told her,"Parenting is just like panning for gold or gems. Most of our days are spent sifting through sediment and only to discover a few pebbles or stones. Then there are those days, when you least expect it, your child says or does something that just blesses your heart. God has just given you a gold nugget!

What perspective! I know so many parents today who have given up on panning for anything of value in their children's lives. If we are not careful we get so busy looking at the sediment, sand, pebbles and stones that we overlook the gold nuggets! In a world that demands instant gratification and quick results, parents must learn to be patient,through the practice of parenting. If we diligently persevere through the sediment, sand, pebbles and stones we will find a few gold nuggets along the way.

About Renee Peebles:

Renee is passionate about her relationship with Christ, her family and homeschooling. She enjoys writing devotions and articles on homeschooling, family and God's Word.  Her desire is for every woman to know her value and worth in Christ Jesus and begin to walk in His truth.

Visit Renee at wherethegrassisgreener-renee.blogspot.com.